Have you recently adopted a baby? Do you want to breastfeed and strengthen their immune system? You can do that with the help of a gestational carrier or surrogate. The process differs from breastfeeding if you had been pregnant. All you need is perseverance and determination. Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and you should be part of it, even if you made a choice to adopt a baby.

A closer look at the breastfeeding process

Breastfeeding a baby who doesn’t belong to your body comes with two core issues: you can’t physically breastfeed because you can’t produce the milk. To tackle this pain, you should start by setting reasonable expectations. Not all women can produce the right amount of milk a baby needs to grow up strong and healthy.

The relationship between a mother and her baby is very close. The emotional attachment can’t be described in plain words. But there are ways to adopt and get your baby the milk they need from a surrogate.

Convincing the baby to accept the breast milk

A lot of women don’t think that a baby suffers when introducing the bottle early. However, some are convinced that artificial nipples can affect a baby’s upbringing. The sooner a baby is introduced to the breast, the better chances they have to grow up strong and healthy. Needless to say, you shouldn’t force them to accept the bottle too soon.

A baby is in constant need of milk from the breast; they need to keep sucking, particularly if they’re already used to drinking the milk from the bottle. Here are some steps to consider when juggling both breast and bottled milk.

At the hospital following the birth of the baby, talk to the nurses and doctors. Tell them about your plans to breastfeed with a surrogate mother. They should listen to your demands.

Afterwards, move on to feeding the baby milk from an open cup; or you could opt for finger feeding. After birth, they will immediately want to be fed. But if the birth mother plans to give the baby for adoption, and doesn’t want to breastfeed, you should be prepared.

Hold the baby as close to your skin as possible. It’s a very important step because you need to get them ready. You are the baby’s new mother, and this technique helps tie the bond even closer.

By holding the baby close to your body, a sensory connection is established. Several metabolic and psychological processes happen: breathing rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure.

Skin-to-skin contact keeps germs at bay. Keep them as close as possible to your body, and you’ll get the baby’s tiny body accustomed to yours faster. They’ll adapt to the new habitat and you’ll convince them to accept new breast milk sooner.

Breastfeeding from the birth mother is fundamental

Adopting a baby with a surrogate mother is an opportunity to convince the birth mother to breast feed. Some are more willing to do so for the sake of the child. However, most social workers are concerned that breastfeeding may compel the birth mother to change her mind. If there’s a possibility and you feel that it could happen, you may not want to take that risk.

Surrogacy may trigger feelings of resentment and remorse; usually between the biological mother and the surrogate mother. It’s merely a theory, and it’s definitely a good idea for the baby to get milk from the birth mother. Unlike artificial feeding or breast milk pumps colostrum, it helps build and strengthen their immunity. These are fundamental elements that matter when raising a child, whether if they’re adopted or yours.

There’s another option you can go with: ask the birth mother to give her milk for the next couple of weeks; the milk can be stored in bottles and given to the baby when needed. Always think in the best interest of the child when adopting, or using a surrogate. Proper nutrition helps with the upbringing of the child. All you have to do is think twice before making a choice.

By Jana Angeles You’ve been through nine months of pregnancy and you finally have your little bub in your arms. It’s...

My ChildJune 1, 2017

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